Psoriasis is a fairly common skin disorder. Many people ask the question: does psoriasis itchy or not? The answer must be sought in the very name of the disease: from Greek the word “psoro” is translated as “itching.” Despite this, it should be noted that in medicine, itching is not a mandatory symptom of pathology, and some patients do not complain that the affected areas itch. Most often, the presence of itching depends on the form of the disease and its stage.
Itching with psoriasis and methods of its treatment - how to relieve discomfort?
Itching in psoriasis is a constant companion of a person and disappears only during remission. Psoriatic manifestations on the skin, regardless of their prevalence and location, cause irritation and discomfort. The intensity of the itching may vary and may appear in the form of a slight tingling sensation or an unbearable desire to scratch the affected area.
Does psoriasis itchy or not?
Itching with psoriatic lesions is a classic symptom.
This manifestation of the disease occurs at the initial stage of the exacerbation period - changes in the skin cause a neural reaction, which is perceived by the brain.
Among the accompanying symptoms of psoriatic itching are:
In fact, there may be no external manifestations at the site of the itching - the body reacts at the initial stage of skin inflammation in a new place.
Why is the skin of psoriatic patients itchy and itchy?
The occurrence of itchy manifestations in psoriatic lesions indicates the following processes:
- increased amount of free radicals in the skin;
- swelling of the papillary layer of the integument;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased activity of cell division;
- increase in the upper layer of the dermis;
- keratinization and exfoliation of psoriatic plaques.
This mechanism of events is the main one in psoriasis.
Against this background, there is a feeling of burning, tingling and itching of the skin. Activation of the inflammatory process itself can be triggered by the following number of reasons:
- infection in the psoriatic lesion;
- negative reaction to cosmetic and cosmetic products;
- development of endocrine pathologies;
- the use of any drugs;
- diseases of the liver structures;
- general allergic reactions.
To establish the real root cause of the activation of psoriasis and the occurrence of itching in the affected areas after a state of remission is only possible by being examined at a medical institution.
Is it possible to scratch the body
If you have psoriatic disease, you should not scratch your skin. This is due to the fact that the disease has an increased relationship with the integrity of the dermis - any damage to the skin can trigger the progression of psoriasis.
When combing occurs:
- additional irritation of nerve endings;
- introduction of external infection to the site of inflammation;
- expansion of the affected area.
It is not recommended to remove plaques on your own, since their removal also damages the integument and leads to greater progression of the disease.
How and with what to relieve itching with psoriasis at home
To get rid of the itching sensation, it is necessary to undergo full treatment of psoriasis - remission is the only guarantee of the absence of such symptoms. Subject to the autoimmune theory of the origin of the pathological process, treatment includes strengthening the immune system, both local and central. Also, psoriatic patients need to eliminate the factors that provoke the disease:
- smoking;
- stress;
- alcohol;
- allergens.
This list also includes existing chronic pathologies, exacerbations of which must be treated in a timely manner.
If we talk about the need to relieve symptoms at home, then it is possible to use various types of remedies, both pharmacologically produced and folk recipes. Only the treating specialist can recommend the best option.
Drug treatment
The most effective and easy-to-use remedies for itching in psoriatic disease are pharmacological preparations.
Among them there are several groups:
- Anti-inflammatory. Under the influence of such drugs, the intensity of the progression of the disease decreases, as well as its symptoms.
- Antihistamines. These drugs have an antiallergic effect and reduce the influence of the root cause on the nerve endings, reducing irritation and itching.
- External. This category includes all groups of medications intended for topical use - ointments, lotions, etc.
Antihistamine tablets
Antiallergic (antihistamine) drugs are used in cases where the itching sensation in psoriatic patients becomes unbearable.
The most common tools in this category in use are:
- Suprastin (chloropyramine);
- Tavegil (clemastine);
- Cetrin (cetirizine).
Each of the list of medications has its own composition, indicating the active component and excipients. Accordingly, the degree of effectiveness, the set of side effects and the method of application will be different.
It is not recommended to select the drug on your own, as some people may have contraindications for use or excessive sensitivity to the composition of a particular product.
Creams and ointments to help relieve itching
Compositions for external use that are used for psoriasis to reduce irritation and manifestations of scabies have different directions.
The following ointments are considered the most effective among those for eliminating psoriatic itching:
- Zinc;
- Salicylic;
- Calcipotriol;
- Berestin;
- Naftalan.
Each of the products has its own properties and severity of effect. But the main effects through which relief from discomfort and itching are achieved are:
- softening of covers;
- decreased conductivity of nerve endings;
- weakening of the inflammatory process.
The use of anti-inflammatory drugs is part of the main treatment, and the remaining groups are auxiliary. Their main task is to reduce the severity of symptomatic signs, including itching.
How to remove using traditional medicine
Pharmacological products are not the only way to ease psoriatic lesions and relieve symptoms of itching. To achieve this effect, traditional medicine methods are also suitable.
In some cases, they are also recommended by doctors. The simplest example of such a remedy is valerian infusion - 1 tbsp. root per 200 ml of boiling water.
Leave for about 1 hour and wipe the psoriatic lesions.
Vegetable oils
To heal areas damaged by psoriasis and relieve the symptom of itching, the following list of essential oils is often used:
- linen;
- sea buckthorn;
- lavender;
- rosemary;
- thyme;
- anise;
- eucalyptus;
- ylang-ylang;
- fir;
- mint;
- sage;
- bergamot;
- tea tree;
- chamomile;
- sandalwood
For psoriatic manifestations on the nail plates, the following are used:
- lavender;
- lemon;
- nutmeg;
- tea tree;
- fir.
The best for the scalp are:
- cedar;
- lavender;
- basil;
- geranium;
- burdock;
- sandalwood;
- jasmine;
- pine.
However, despite all the usefulness of these oils, their use in pure form is unacceptable - it is necessary to use some kind of base.
The most suitable non-essential oils for this are:
- Camphor. Contains a large amount of phytoncides, due to which it is a strong regenerative agent.
- Hemp. Due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, it is widely used for psoriasis.
- Cedar. Has a strong antiseptic effect in the area of application.
- Linen. Nourishes cellular structures and allows the skin to recover.
Some experts recommend mixing essential oils with cosmetic ointments and creams.
Birch tar
Birch tar is one of the most common components of complex multi-component ointments and other medical and cosmetic products for the treatment of psoriasis. This remedy itself is also effective and is used by many people.
To relieve the symptom of itching and ease the disease, avoiding side effects, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- Before use, the skin is cleaned of any contaminants present and dried.
- It is recommended to dilute the tar with some neutral means for external use.
- The mass is applied exclusively to areas affected by psoriatic disease.
- After removing the composition, lubricate the area with oil or rich cream.
- 24 hours after completion of the procedure, it is necessary to ensure that the treated skin is protected from the sun.
If any side effects occur during the use of tar (rashes, increased itching, etc.), it is necessary to urgently remove the mass from the skin and seek help.
Medicinal herbs
The antipruritic effect can be obtained by using the following list of plants:
- nettle (leaves);
- dill (seeds);
- jasmine;
- elecampane.
They need to be brewed in proportions - 1-2 tbsp. for 200-250 ml of water. The mixture is infused and then filtered. The method of application is simple - drink 100 ml 1-3 times a day.
Therapeutic baths
Balneotherapy - treatment of skin diseases with water procedures is also available at home. To do this, you can use a bath with medicinal compounds.
Optimal options that are often used in medical institutions:
- Saline. Preparation of water for this option requires purchasing a mineral composition of lake or sea origin.
- A bath with turpentine is recommended for prevention during remission. For a total volume of 80 liters, use from 25 to 150 ml of product.
- Coniferous. For such water, you can take ready-made mixtures in pharmacies or prepare needles and cones yourself.
- Valerian. Valerian roots can have a calming effect not only on the skin of psoriatic patients, but also on the central nervous system.
- Soda - just add 1-2 cups of baking soda to the water. This procedure will relieve swelling and itching from inflamed tissues.
It is imperative to observe the temperature regime - 40-42˚C, subject to a duration of no more than 20 minutes. The optimal course is 20 sessions with a further break of at least 10 days.
How to treat an itchy scalp
Itching with psoriasis is difficult to eliminate with standard skin remedies, since many people need to leave the house and have a decent appearance. Moreover, the classic options are a little harsh. To treat this ailment localized under the hair, it is recommended to use the following types of shampoos:
- tar;
- antifungal (often itching on the scalp with psoriasis is associated with mycosis);
- zinc;
- naftalan;
- salicylic;
- for children (as a mild remedy during remission).
The optimal option in the acute stage is selected in accordance with the available indications.
What not to do
To relieve scabies in psoriatic lesions, it is recommended to give up the following habits and things:
- rough and tight clothing;
- hard washcloths;
- smoking;
- unusual products;
- hot shower;
- alcohol.
These factors can provoke activation of psoriasis during remission and increase irritation of lesions during periods of exacerbation.
In some cases, a person suffering from psoriatic disease may need psychological support.
Taking into account the need for constant procedures and the present discomfort from itching, it is recommended to organize the possibility of relaxation, both at home and at work.
This will speed up the transition of the disease into remission and help prolong it.
Source: https://psoriazonline.ru/simptomyi/zud-pri-psoriaze.html
Itching with psoriasis
Psoriatic skin rashes cause physical and psychological discomfort. But if skin defects can, up to a certain point, be disguised from others under clothing, then itching with psoriasis is almost impossible to hide. Let's consider whether it is possible to get rid of it, and what needs to be done for this.
Mechanism of development of itching
Itching in a person suffering from psoriasis is a constant sign of the disease. Skin rashes, regardless of their nature and location, will in any case cause discomfort. The intensity of the itching can vary from a slight tingling sensation to an unbearable desire to scratch the skin, even to the appearance of blood. Why can this symptom be different?
The desire to scratch the skin means the following:
- a large number of free radicals are concentrated in the skin than in a healthy person;
- the papillary layer of the dermis begins to swell due to the influence of progressive negative factors;
- metabolic processes in the skin are disrupted, cells begin to divide uncontrollably, which leads to their rapid exfoliation and keratinization.
This mechanism of events is the main one in psoriasis. Against this background, a feeling of burning, tingling and itching appears.
Causes
Itchy skin with psoriasis indicates that certain disorders have occurred in the body, for example, intoxication.
We list the main reasons for the appearance of this symptom:
- metabolic disease;
- infection of external foci of inflammation;
- endocrine disorders;
- nervous diseases;
- the use of certain medications, generally without medical supervision;
- allergic reactions, including to inappropriate cosmetics;
- liver problems.
There are also risk factors that may cause existing itching to appear or worsen. Let's list them:
- exacerbation of psoriasis;
- psychogenic factor;
- HIV-associated process;
- harmful working conditions;
- sudden climate change;
- acute and chronic poisoning;
- interaction with certain chemicals;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- consumption of alcoholic beverages, spicy foods and large amounts of caffeine.
Not all patients can find out the cause of itching on their own. The disease should be treated by a dermatologist.
Symptoms
Itching begins from the first days of exacerbation of the pathology, at the moment when an inflammatory process appears on the skin with the formation of convex rashes - hyperemic plaques covered with a compacted rough surface.
In most cases, plaques are localized on the elbows and knees, and the phalanges of the fingers. The disease then spreads throughout the body unless treatment is started.
Itching in a person suffering from psoriasis is characterized by the stages of the pathological process. Let's look at them in a comparative table.
Stages of the disease Symptoms
PROGRESS STAGE | Small foci of inflammation appear on the skin in the form of papules, which are very itchy. |
STATIONARY STAGE | The intensity of the itching decreases, it is replaced by a feeling of tingling and burning. |
REGRESSION STAGE | The main signs of the disease gradually weaken, the itching decreases significantly. |
Additional symptoms of itching are:
- cracking of the skin followed by bleeding due to itching in areas of inflammation;
- separation and discoloration of nails, deterioration of their general condition;
- rashes and itching in the folds of the skin, for example, in the armpits.
Treatment
Only complex therapy will help relieve itching during an exacerbation of psoriasis. The main goal of treatment is to achieve stable remission of the disease, during which the symptoms of itching will be minimized. Currently, the basis of psoriasis is considered to be autoimmune processes that can cause an exacerbation of the pathology.
Secondly, it is important to remove factors that cause direct harm to the surface of the skin. A person suffering from psoriasis should wear loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics - linen or cotton. You should also avoid sudden changes in temperature and do not take hot baths or contrast showers.
By injuring the skin with constant itching during an exacerbation of the disease, the patient provokes an aggravation of the pathological process, purposefully interfering with the regeneration of the dermis and the restoration of metabolic processes in it at the cellular level. Therefore, it is imperative to treat psoriasis with drugs that relieve itching.
Treatment for itchy scalp
If the scalp is affected, not only the complex treatment described above is prescribed, but also special detergents that have an additional therapeutic effect.
- SHAMPOO WITH TAR. It has a characteristic odor, softens the scalp, improves the regenerative functions of the skin and eliminates itching.
- SHAMPOO WITH ZINC-PYRITINE. The effect of application will be exactly the same as with tar.
Traditional treatment
In folk medicine there are also remedies that help eliminate itching and other external signs of psoriasis.
OILS FOR SKIN. To eliminate itching from the scalp, before going to bed, apply masks from any oils to the skin - olive, coconut and others.
The oil, heated to a comfortable temperature, is applied directly to the affected area of the scalp, a scarf is put on top, and the mask is left until the morning. After waking up, wash off the product with a medicated shampoo for psoriasis.
As a result of this procedure, the skin becomes softer, dead cells are saturated with oil and are easily separated, and the itching subsides.
It is also recommended to lubricate lesions on the skin with oils, such as almond or coconut. If psoriasis is localized in the groin folds, for example, in the intimate area, then it is recommended to use a strong decoction of oak bark mixed in equal proportions with glycerin (take 100 grams of glycerin per 100 grams of decoction).
BATHS. Baths with the addition of pine extracts, St. John's wort and chamomile will also help eliminate skin itching - for one therapeutic bath you need to take at least 5 liters of plant material. After water procedures, it is necessary to treat the skin with a neutral cream with a moisturizing and soothing effect.
Additional Tips
In addition to local and systemic treatment, a person suffering from psoriasis needs to lead a healthy lifestyle, follow the principles of proper nutrition and avoid stress. The help of a psychologist will be useful, since damage to a larger area of skin can cause psychological discomfort and worsen the patient’s quality of life.
Excruciating itching brings psychological and physical discomfort to a person. Therefore, for such a person it is desirable to create favorable psycho-emotional conditions both at home and at work, which could have a positive effect on recovery.
It is also necessary to abandon procedures that can intensify the clinical manifestations of the disease. Let's look at them in a small table.
Unwanted proceduresWhy should I refuse?
SALT BATHS | Salt not only does not heal, but also corrodes inflammation, preventing normal skin regeneration. |
CHLORINED WATER | Chlorine contained in water negatively affects treatment. Therefore, even for water procedures, it is advisable to use pre-purified and boiled water. |
HOT WATER | Increased water temperature when taking a bath helps to get rid of itching and discomfort, but for a very short time. Then the pathological process may intensify due to skin irritation with hot water. |
COLD | The effect of low temperatures can be compared in terms of the mechanism of action with hot water. The itching will indeed disappear, but for a short time, after which the condition of the skin may worsen due to a decrease in local immune defense. |
So, we tried to cover the issue of getting rid of itching during psoriasis. I would like to remind you that in addition to medication and folk treatment, it is important to pay attention to body hygiene, proper sleep and rest patterns, and the absence of stress and bad habits. The therapeutic approach to the fight against psoriasis should always be comprehensive.
Source: https://AllergiyaNet.ru/zabolevaniya/psoriaz/zud-pri-psoriaze.html
Itching with psoriasis and how to get rid of it
Psoriasis progresses differently in each individual person. Depending on the immunity, age of the patient, his characteristics, the symptoms, form of psoriasis, and external manifestations change. Itching is a symptom of psoriasis, but not everyone has it.
Itching of the scalp, elbows, and knees with psoriasis appears in patients when the disease has already progressed successfully. New affected areas appear on healthy skin, and those that already existed become larger in size.
After this, the symptoms of the disease gradually disappear. When the patient treats the disease with drugs, the manifestations of psoriasis become less noticeable, plaques and redness of the skin subsides, and the itching goes away.
Does psoriasis itch at the initial stage?
With psoriasis, white and gray plaques form on the dermis, which are dense crusts on the skin. When these crusts form, the patient experiences a feeling of pulling on the skin and may also experience itching.
According to studies, itching accompanies psoriasis in most patients, but, nevertheless, in some percentage it was still absent. Itching is usually characteristic of the initial stage of psoriasis.
Itching also goes away if the patient is allergic to something and is forced to take medications to eliminate its symptoms. In this case, psoriatic itching also disappears.
Itching may intensify if the patient has been exposed to stress, depression, anxiety and worry.
According to studies, twenty percent of psoriasis patients do not suffer from it, and easily tolerate relapses of the disease without the desire to scratch the affected areas. But if the patient has been stressed, the itching may become noticeably worse.
At the very beginning of the disease, itching is mild. The processes responsible for the external manifestations of this disease are not very active. Itching appears for an internal reason.
When the roughening of the skin produces a lot of free radicals, this leads to swelling of the skin. As a result of this, itching of the entire skin or itching of only the affected areas appears.
If the patient scratches the itchy skin as soon as the itching appears, then the symptoms of the disease will intensify, the itching will also appear much more pronounced and the disease will be much more difficult to bear.
At the beginning of the disease, itching on the body intensifies even with a slight deviation in the body’s functioning from the norm, for example, with an increase or decrease in body temperature, or changing underwear to a different material. If psoriasis is localized in the genital area, then itching appears due to a change in intimate hygiene products.
Many people wonder if the skin with psoriasis always itches. The answer is no, the itching may disappear periodically.
To see what itching looks like with psoriasis on the legs, arms, and head, you can go to the photo section.
Causes of itching in psoriasis
Each patient experiences itching differently. For one patient, it proceeds easily, without the need to scratch the skin. Another person will suffer from unbearable itching, scratching his skin until it bleeds.
Causes of severe itching with psoriasis:
Source: https://AlergiaHelp.ru/u-vzroslyh/cheshetsya-li-psoriaz-2.html
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of the disease? The most common is itchy skin. However, not every itching is an indicator of psoriasis; only a doctor can diagnose the disease.
For many years, researchers have debated whether itching is characteristic of psoriasis. In recent years, scientists have come to the conclusion that psoriasis is itchy in most cases. Itching is a strong desire to touch or scratch an area of skin.
More than 80% of patients complain of burning skin, the desire to itch and are looking for any ways to relieve these symptoms. The remaining 20% of patients claim that they do not feel such manifestations. Itching in psoriasis can be a constant concern during the acute period of the disease and subside during remission.
Like any other chronic disease, itchy pain prevents the patient from functioning normally, living a full life, appearing in society, or resting. Many people experience psychological discomfort, unsociability, social phobia, and depression.
Itching in psoriasis can vary in severity and is graded on a 10-point scale (from moderate to severe). With psoriatic erythroderma, patients note a burning sensation, itching of varying degrees of intensity and a strong desire to itch. However, after the relapse stage, the pain may go away, the itching goes away on its own. In recent years, cases of psoriasis accompanied by itching have increased. Efforts were devoted to finding a cure for this disease.
Does psoriasis itchy or not?
Whether psoriasis itches is an exciting question for patients with this diagnosis. After all, in addition to cosmetic discomfort, they are afraid to suffer from itching. How to relieve itching with psoriasis and how to minimize skin irritation due to pathology, we will consider in this article.
Does psoriasis itchy?
Psoriatic skin lesions are characterized by the appearance of whitish or even grayish plaques on its surface, under which new skin is actively forming. The appearance of such crusts is accompanied not only by a pulling sensation on the skin, but also by itching.
Psoriasis without itching is rarely encountered, and even then only at an early stage. Psoriasis does not always itch if the patient takes antihistamines and is allergic.
Also, itching in psoriasis in some cases is not perceived by the patient with high stress resistance.
According to statistics, every fifth patient with psoriasis calmly tolerates the itching and flaking of the skin due to psoriasis, and can control themselves not to scratch the psoriatic plaques. But psoriasis itches a lot when a stress factor appears.
How to relieve itching with psoriasis
to relieve itching from psoriasis . In the first place is the use of antihistamines, which block the production of histamine and relieve swelling. Helps with itching in psoriasis Suprastin, Eden, Diazolin and others. Since not all drugs have the same effect, you need to select the optimal antihistamine individually.
If psoriasis is constantly itching, the doctor will tell you what to do with such a persistent symptom - he will give prescriptions, refer you to ultraviolet irradiation sessions, and recommend phytotherapeutic preparations. You can get rid of itching due to psoriasis with the help of sanatorium-resort treatment and balneological resorts. If it is not possible to remove the itching of psoriasis the first time, doctors extend the course of treatment.
Psoriasis rash on the body
Skin rashes with psoriasis occur quite often, especially if the patient is allergic. Unpleasant symptoms may appear when the surface of the skin becomes infected as a result of scratching the body. Sometimes with psoriasis, a rash appears after sunbathing - the affected skin reacts very strongly to even the slightest irritant.
The psoriasis rash (Photo 3) may resemble regular hives. If psoriasis rashes fester, the infection can enter the bloodstream and rashes will appear throughout the body. In order to prevent such a situation, a rash on the body due to psoriasis must be immediately treated with antibacterial ointments.
This will make it possible to stop the pathological process. At the same time, for healing, the doctor will prescribe keratolytic agents and reducing drugs.
For rashes on the scalp, special shampoos are recommended, and signs of psoriasis in men localized in the genital area are treated with ointments and creams for psoriasis with a softening effect.
Ointment for itching in psoriasis
All ointments for itching in psoriasis can be divided into hormonal and non-hormonal.
Doctors prefer not to use hormonal agents at the initial stage, but if there is a persistent lack of effect, it is hormonal ointments that provide positive dynamics. Ftorokort, Uniderm, Flucinar, Lorinden ointments have excellent performance.
Triderm ointment gives good results in treatment for psoriasis - according to patient reviews, after using the ointment, itching is significantly reduced. Calcipotriol, salicylic ointment, Kartalin, Cytopsor help with itching in psoriasis.
Zinc ointment dries and relieves irritation, but the best remedy for itching, according to many patients, is Dermovate cream.
It significantly lightens psoriasis spots (see photo), makes the skin smoother, and relieves burning and swelling.
My sources:
Playlist of videos about psoriasis (video selection in the upper right corner)
with friends:
(: 6, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Source: https://www.psoriazo.ru/psoriaz-cheshetsya-ili-net.html
The main symptom of the pathology
One of the main signs of psoriasis (along with hyperemia, swelling, pain, peeling) is considered to be intense itching, localized in the affected skin lesions. This symptom accompanies the course of the disease in both progressive and stationary, and sometimes even regressive stages.
The main reason for the appearance of skin itching in patients with psoriasis is the increased dryness of the “haggard epidermis” and the presence of flaky crusts of rash elements - scales.
Psoriatic itching becomes not only a medical, but also a psychological problem for patients with the appropriate diagnosis. Thus, it has been established that in addition to physical discomfort, it causes disruption of the nervous system.
Many patients with psoriasis suffer from insomnia, neuroses, they have attacks of unmotivated aggression, people experience depression, cannot concentrate on doing this or that work, and develop complexes. That is why the comprehensive fight against psoriasis always involves the use of not only antipruritic, but also sedative (calming) medications.
Does the skin itch with psoriasis and why? Causes of severe itching
Most people have heard about such an unpleasant disease as psoriasis.
And, when any rash appears on the skin, they begin to feverishly look for its signs: suspicious ones - to confirm, and optimists - to refute the diagnosis.
And since the lion's share of skin diseases is accompanied by itching, victims have a question: does psoriasis itch? The short answer is, not always. 20% of patients are relieved of debilitating itching.
Itching with psoriasis
Psoriasis has several varieties:
- Regular: The most common type. It appears on the knees, elbows, head (under the hair) in the form of inflamed areas of thickened red skin. Silvery-white scales are visible on the top of the spot.
- Drop-shaped: looks like water droplets on the skin (also red);
- Exudative: localized in skin folds, looks like smooth, bright red, glossy spots.
- Pustular: Forms on the soles and palms of the hands and appears as pustules (vesicles) filled with white, non-infectious pus (a collection of white blood cells).
- Psoriatic arthritis: manifests itself in swelling of the joints, their deformation, and changes in the nails. The disease is accompanied by pain.
- Psoriatic erythroderma: rare, affects large areas of skin. Foci of inflammation are bright red in color, accompanied by large-plate peeling. This type of psoriasis is one of the most life-threatening diseases and requires immediate medical intervention.
The latter type of psoriasis is a secondary manifestation of a systemic disease. It occurs when the skin loses its protective functions. It is with psoriatic erythroderma that the patient suffers not only from pain, but also from unbearable itching. He involuntarily scratches the affected areas until they bleed.
In other cases, the skin of a person suffering from psoriasis may itch slightly, especially at an early stage of the development of the disease. Although tingling or burning occurs from time to time, creating discomfort for the patient.
Psoriasis is a chronic dermatosis that cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, itching - from almost imperceptible to severe - constantly bothers the patient.
How to relieve itching with psoriasis
The most reliable way to relieve itching is drug treatment. When choosing treatment, the doctor takes into account the patient’s age, the degree of his activity in everyday life, his mental state and gender.
The treatment complex includes:
- Complete exclusion of provoking factors: stress, smoking, alcohol, allergenic foods, etc.;
- Refusal to wear synthetic clothing, take a hot bath and contrast shower;
- The use of external mash, ointments, lotions that have a soothing effect on the skin;
- Taking medications internally - orally or in the form of intramuscular injections.
External means
The doctor may prescribe non-hormonal or hormonal ointments. The former do their job well - they are easily absorbed, relieve skin dryness and inflammatory reaction. Non-hormonal ointments include:
- Salicylic: softens affected areas while acting as an antiseptic.
- Zinc: unlike salicylic, it dries out the skin.
- Containing vitamin D: counteracts the proliferation of keratinocytes (cells that mainly make up the epidermis), thereby preventing keratinization of the skin and the formation of microcracks in it. Do not use simultaneously with salicylic ointment.
- Containing tar: help restore the skin and improve blood circulation. It is not recommended to be treated with such ointments without authorization - only on the recommendation of a doctor. Start with small doses.
- Oil-containing: like the previous ones, they can lead to unwanted complications, so they must be used very carefully. But they cope well with itching, simultaneously anesthetizing the affected area and promoting exfoliation of damaged tissue.
- Based on solidol: have a positive effect on metabolism in epidermal cells, eliminating itching and reducing the inflammatory reaction.
Ointments containing glucocorticosteroid hormones (GCS) are available in different concentrations:
- From 0.1 to 5% - they are prescribed only to children and adults with small affected areas of skin;
- Over 5% - used on extensive lesions and generalized psoriasis (a particularly severe form of the disease).
GCS are potent drugs, the use of which may be accompanied by undesirable effects - skin dystrophy, for example. The body can get used to such medications, despite their external use.
Preparations for internal use
Itching in psoriasis can be relieved with intramuscular injections of Aminazine, Prednisolone, Decamethoxin.
Their permissible single and daily doses are strictly limited, so when taking them you can only be guided by a doctor’s prescription (and not by instructions that give general recommendations).
Orally, the doctor may prescribe antihistamine tablets - Tavegil, Zyrtec, Suprastin or Fenkarol.
They significantly relieve itching. But the patient should know that:
- An overdose of these drugs can be fatal;
- Suprastin and Tavegil have side effects on humans as sleeping pills.
- From which it follows that these drugs are in no way suitable for self-medication.
Let's sum it up
Does psoriasis itchy or not? In most cases the answer will be yes. If you experience itching with psoriasis, it should be treated. Without treatment, the disease will progress, the patient will experience severe pain and a desire to itch.
You should not scratch the plaques; it is important to find a suitable treatment method, a competent doctor and undergo timely diagnosis.
In many cases, consultation with a psychologist is required, since significant damage to an itchy area of skin brings discomfort and exhausts a person mentally.
From the outside it may seem that psoriasis is not such a terrible disease. In fact, this is not so, the disease is serious. There are known cases of death in dermatology.